Once upon a time there was a girl who did not know much about internet (not that she does now). She was happy in her little world. Knowing the mysteries of this big online world was bottom 5 on her to do list.
Life is not exactly how we imagine it. One day, while enjoying her pregnancy and convinced by one of her best friends that everyone can cook put her apron on.
The first thing she made was a zucchini pie. Her family loved it and encouraged her to cook some more. Simple dishes followed, than her first cake, a German chocolate cake, and later the first yeast bread.
Time went by and after cooking for some time she decided to write a blog just to keep track of her progress in the kitchen.
As you can easily guess she was far from being a computer savvy. Her knowledge about setting a blog was somewhere around zero. But she didn’t give up. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
She wrote, deleted, wrote again. The only persons reading her blog were her friends. One day everything changed. Someone else was reading and even left a comment.
Oh my goodness, someone else knew she existed. She could nor believe her eyes. After that comment another one followed, and then another one and so on.
What was she supposed to do? Whom to ask? She thought would be nice to find out who those people that left comments on her blog were. She clicked on their names and visited their blogs. WOW. A new world opened in front of her eyes. She start reading and reading, clicking on different names. Soon she’d spend her evenings reading other people blogs.
After a while she start commenting on their blogs too and got to know other bloggers.
Her blog started growing, well that’s what she thought when she saw 100 hits in one day. Little did she know you can reach 100 hits in one hour.
She started celebrating every milestone. 100 hits in one day, 1000 hits in one week, first recipe featured in Top 9, first photo accepted on food porn sites.
Along the way she learned lots of things :
- Being a food blogger is a full time job. From the moment you decide what are you going to cook for your family, taking step by step photos and later writing about it.
- Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, the important thing is to make sure your don’t repeat them.
- Learn new skills. There’s always room from improvement.
- Ask for help. When you want something, do some research and try it for yourself. If you don’t succeed ask for help. Be polite and others will give you a hand.
- Care for those who help you. Be friendly, honest and trustworthy otherwise you’ll lose their support.
- Be yourself. Stop comparing with another bloggers. There will always be a better writer/photographer/cook/baker.
- Post as ofter as you can. If possible, make a routine.
- Share others bloggers work. Use twitter/facebook/stumble not to promote your own posts but to show appreciation for your friends’ work.
- Make friends. Subscribe to their blogs and read their posts. Leave comments.
and the most important : Have Fun. If having a blog feels more like an obligation, it’s time to stop and do something else.
Thank you everyone. Without your support I would not be writing this.
{ 74 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it. I think you have come so far so fast. I didn't know you didn't know anything either. It is my pleasure to have met you and I'm so glad to know you better. I love that cake, I hope write a recipe for it soon.
Happy Monday!
-Gina-
- Make friends. Subscribe to their blogs and read their posts. Leave comments.
Roxana-Love your post, so heartfelt and true!
Copied this above quote from you. So true!!!
Had I not subscribe to others' blogs and not leave comments, I would not have the comments, and the subscribers, either. I know for a fact that even though I subscribe to some other bloggers they will not subscribe back, so I just have to unsubscribe myself after a while…not everyone wants to get involved minglig with other bloggers…sad, but true!
I forgot to mention about your gorgeous cake…I see a "Happy Birthday" on it…no recipe either. Hope you will share the good news, and recipe.
xoxo
Hi Roxana
Thanks for the light-hearted blog.
I'm only new to this so I will take some guidence from you too.
Til next time.
Hi lovely lady. Thank you so much for sharing with me tonight. I always know I will find something that will make me smile! Your sweet and creative spirit brings me such happiness. I hope you have a great day tomorrow full of hope and love.
Well… looks like you learn fast! What a wonderful post and amazing cake!
Happy Birthday "a little bit of everything"
and many new recipes
wonderful cake,i like de colors
Wonderfully written post roxana…I love all your recipes and this cake looks amazing.
Congratulations, your blog deserves it. I am a rookie cook but. you write all recipes very simply and your photos are very usefull for understanding how can cook it.
I am also a new blogger and your today post encouraged me.
Thank you.
A great read for sure, very creative and decadent!
What a lovely post, Roxana! At some point I was thinking you wrote about me, but I guess this is the story of many bloggers. You do a great job with your blog, that's why I keep visiting it
The cake looks great. Happy Birthday to your husband.
Roxanna, what a brilliant post and all so true for many of us. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and I am looking forward to sharing more. Happy Birthday to your hubby – you baked him a perfect cake.
Mandy
Happy Birthday to your husband!!! Everything you wrote is so familiar to me, I mean even though I'm a beginner, I can totally say that's a hard job! Your blog is one of the best I've seen, so keep up the hard work, there are people like me who love it!!! Have a lovely day Roxana!
Happy B-Day to your hubby. That's a glorious cake. And I love the post! I'm totally there with you
Your words are so true, and I too, didn't know that I didn't know. I found out that there was a whole wonderful world of bloggers, like you, on the other side of the screen.
I hope that you post the recipe for the marvelous cake soon.
What a great post! That really is how it happens isn't it? What a gorgeous cake, it looks so amazing!
Such a true, heartfelt post. Blogging is a full time job but it sure doesn't pay much and I have to remind myself sometimes just to enjoy the process.
Now, are we going to see a recipe for this gorgeous cake???
Wonderful warm post…and it's so true!
I hope your hubby enjoyed his cake, looks fantastic and really tasty!
Lovely post so true I am sure in the case of every blogger. Thanks for putting the feelings in words.
I am sure your husband and family loved this mousse cake. Happy birthday to him.
Happy Birthday to your husband! What a beautiful cake! I hope you'll share the recipe with us sometime!
This is such a beautiful post! I loved reading it… I don't think I get even 100 hits a week right now!
But I always remember why I started and it keeps me going! I want to create something that my daughter will be proud of one day! Your post really encourages me! Thank you 
Happy Birthday to Mr. Gringarl
! I missed you in DC!
P.S. I love the cake!
)
Beautiful post, my dear friend… so happy to have met you!
That cake is gorgeous!
This is so perfect! Having just started my own blog less then a month ago it was just so wonderful reading this!
oh Roxana,
what a well written, from the heart post, just perfect! We are so lucky to have you in our community! I know I speak for many out there that we are so grateful that you put on that apron and started cooking, you have blessed us with your incredible creations and beautiful images…
Your today is a testament of how talented you have become!
Thank you for all you do!
Dennis
Even after more than a year of blogging, I am still learning. You are a fast learner
The birthday cake looks lovely!
Such a lovely post, Roxana…it's my story, too…you put it so well. I'm so pleased to have gotten to know you a bit these past few months…your sweet personality shines through with every post. And like, Elisabeth, I'm waiting for that beautiful cake recipe
Roxana, I really loved your post today. I also love – and appreciate – that cake you made for your husband. It is gorgeous. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
What a great post! Food blogging is something that I lvoe to do, and love to see other people do to! This cake looks absolutely devine!!
Thanks for your comments. I'm a "baby" blogger. I started blogging about cooking a month ago after things got too out of hand on my busy Facebook page. I really need help and advice on how to move forward. Are there groups I should join???. I know I must be making all kinds of mistakes…
What a great post Roxana and all so very true
I hope your husband had a wonderful Birthday, and with such an amazing cake I do not see how he would not have
wow, that cake looks fabulous!!!! wowow! btw, what is your fb page?? mine is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mis-Pensamientos/164725803581170
Aaa, deci de-aia nu te mai vede omul la fata!
Sa va traiasca Mr. S si sa ii fiti alaturi si la bine si la rau till death do you part
Now that is THE cake to celebrate a birthday. Love your post and your points. Appreciate it all the more when every word rings true in the blogging world. I'm still quite new to this and learning all the time. Lovely to hear the same points coming through!
beautiful looking birthday cake
looks delicious
congrats…beautifully written..I wish you the best in the future and hope to share many more recipes!!
sweetlife
a sweet treat!!
Hi there, A very happy birthday to your husband… ! A very pretty cake to add sparke to the celebration !!! Loved your write up of todays, its always great to know how others are growing and really inspires you to learn more and improve more, day after day….congratulations on being a successful food blogger…cheers !
It's funny when we look back on ourselves and see how far we've come! Here's to more milestones yet to come! =)
Happy Birthday to your Husband!!! I love what you said about blogging and see myself in what you wrote. I'm so glad we have become friends through blogging! I totally heart you and your work!
Great story, great post! You said this so beautifully… so many of us have been there!
I never knew blogging would be like this when I started! Loving every minute of it
.
What a beautiful cake! Look delicious!
I love this post! It is so true and inspiring
Glad to have found you here and be a part of your blogging journey 
PS: Beautiful cake…lucky hubs!
You are going to post this recipe as well right?! You can't do this and not post the recipe! It looks delicious! Love your story by the way.. blogging is definitely an adventure!
Great post, beautiful cake. I'd like a piece right this very moment!
Roxana, you've gone a long long way and your blog is every day more beautiful, as well as your creations. Beautiful cake. I'm with Evan on this: you are going to post the recipe right?? 'cause I need to try this cake!
What a beautiful heart felt post. And your cake looks spectacular. Thanks so much for sharing! =]
What a terrific blog post, and so true! At least in my experience. Keep up the good work! I always enjoy my visits to your blog.
Kristi
Roxana, terrific writeup….well I felt it was me whom you were describing lol
Ok – that cake has me drooling…LOL. what a true post and so sweet of you to write one up for your fellow bloggers who completely understand. You're a real gem!!
that cake looks amazingly good! Love chocolate and the three layers is just so pretty too.
It was nice to read how your roots brought you towards every milestone which has led you to realize so much in so little time.
Roxana, one of the points I felt needed repeating was the one about being yourself and not to compare yourself to others…excellent advice. Of course, when posting does become a feeling of obligation…it's gotta be time to take a break.
Keep up the great posting and keep having fun with it ;o) Now, can I have a piece of that cake? Pretty please
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Perfectly executed Roxana! One would think you've been at this for years…keep up the terrific work.
Amazing cake!! Wow! I think I sat here and stared at the photo for about 4 straight minutes.
Wonderful words, as well..
That is a great post, and your advice is so wonderful and very true! Congrats on your success, and that cake look positively divine!
I could relate to this post .. word by word
It is indeed a full time job and say that too all my friends ! Happy birthday to your husband and please tell me you will share the recipe soon.. cause I CANNOT take my eyes off that cake! 
So great, love the post! And the cake is gorgeous!
Aww, what a sweet post! I love this! Cake…fabulous looking, of course. I am craving some serious chocolate now. It's so true. A full time job and los of money. That's when you know you love what you do.
Look forward to hearing more.
loss* of money, that is.
Absolutely beautiful cake! I clicked for the recipe
I want it in ma belly! Loved your story too. I can totally relate.
What a sweet post! Bloggers have this whole other world that exists on-line! I love it – am so happy I am a part of it too. The cake is stunning! I bet it was heavenly delicious!
You have a great blog! I can't believe you haven't been doing this forever! And I LOVE the horizontal chocolate lines on the cake. Wonderful!
Roxana, Hi! Your introduction about yourself touched my heart! I can personally relate to you so much…I am a new food blogger and I am facing those challenges which you faced. This blog gives me inspiration that nothing is impossible.
Hi sweet Roxana- I so love this post and the story of you and the beginning of your blogging adventure. Every point you made is right. Especially the part that if you are no longer having fun, don't do it. This cake is splendid! I'm sure your hubby and family enjoyed it. Thank you for always being so supportive and kind.
Hello Roxana,
Loved reading your touching post – I'm relatively new to blogosphere and can relate to some of your experiences:)And yes,I had that same flutter in my heart when I knew that there were people out there reading what I wrote – not that they knew me,but they just read my words.Believe me,it was one of the happiest days I had!I'm yet to reach a lot of milestones and am sincerely trying to do that – but all I want to do is go on enjoying:)
So nice knowing you Roxana and yes,Happy Birthday to your hubby!
Cheers,
Wit,wok&wisdom
I have bookmarked this great post… today I'm celebrating one of those milestones and look forward to many more. I have definitely learned that in this very fulfilling hobby you get out of it as much as you give. Thanks for reminding me of that.
Well said, Roxana, especially the part about blogging being a full time job. But it's so fun, right?
My Tech skills are really weak and I wasnt sure myself that I'd be able to start mine. You've done really well and I'm happy to be a fan. Your husband's bday cake is awesome!
Oh Roxana, that's exactly how I feel and how it got started!! I'm glad to "meet" you and your recipe inspire me. This cake looks super good!!!
Wonderful, wonderful post!! I think you very nicely summed up what many of us feel and have been through since we began blogging. Your blog is truly a joy to visit, I'm so glad you entered the blog world!
And the cake… wow, wow, WoW!!! Three chocolate and mousse to boot. Incredible!
Haha, what a great post I can relate to! It is a whole world out there I am discovering and so many amazing things to cook! That cake looks divine
You have done such a fabulous job with your blog. You are right, blogging certainly can become a full time job. I find it so hard to keep up, but know that I love your blog and even if I don't make it over here as often as I'd like, I still find your recipes and photos fabulous!
Thank you for posting these encouraging words! I am just at the point where I'm getting excited over the double digit visits! lol Its been so fun, and I can't wait to make connections, virtual friends and more! Your cake is simply beautiful!
Indeed, food blogging is a full time job! And, what a great cake. I've made mini, layered mousse cakes before, but this one looks fantastic. Perfect layers!
You are just what I needed today. Just as I was beginning to get discouraged I followed Chef Dennis to your site through Foodbuzz. Although my hubby has been very encouraging from day one I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Your words and they way in which you delivered them was perfect. I am adding you as a link on the front of my blog so when I feel a bit lowly I can read your post and get right back up and others can find you as well!
Your post is so beautiful
and you are not alone, I'm sure we all went trough this 
I remember when I got my first comment on my blog I was sooo excited, and when I realized that I have regular readers I was about to host a party LOL
I love your blog, your food and recipes are awesome and your pictures are beautiful
Blogging sure is full time job, I've been doing it since 2008 LOL
Happy Blogaversary!!! It’s an amazing thing
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